Nothing But The Blood
The Transfiguration: Old Testament, Exodus 24:8-18 Exodus 24:8-18 There’s an old evangelical hymn which begins, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” It’s one of...
Way Tougher
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany: Gospel, Matthew 5:21-37 Matthew 5:21-37 It’s a strange thing to read so much law in the gospel reading. But this is law from the lips of the Savior who comes to redeem us from it. Amazing. Jesus “turns...
How We Think
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Paul launches into the next section of First Corinthians by calling out the fleshly nature of the young believers in Corinth. Here, the tag of fleshly is based on their immaturity. And immaturity can...
Keep Things Straight
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany: Old Testament, Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 It’s funny how, deep in the human heart, is the sense that wrongs can only be set right by our efforts. Even down to the choices we make on the little things. Well what we have...
Hope for the Hopeless
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Gospel, Matthew 5:13-20 Matthew 5:13-20 Our discussion of the Beatitudes from our gospel reading last week culminated in my writing that the list of “blesseds” refers to Jesus. He is the blessed Man. He...
Honesty Wins
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Paul the apostle is not always easy to read. God gives him things to write that frankly sting. But God be thanked that Paul shied not away from penning the truth...
Emptiness for Fullness
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: Old Testament, Isaiah 58:3-9a Isaiah 58:3-9a Fasting. One of those practices that we read of in Scripture. We perhaps nod towards it. but for most of us there is no engagement. And note, I’m not...
Don't Look for Novel
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 5:1-12 Anyone worth their salt realizes that in studying and teaching Holy Scripture, that which is novel is not preferred. I went through a period years ago where I would read nothing commenting...
Glad for God?
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 You simply cannot, in my opinion, read and understand the first chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians without sighing deeply and declaring...
Simple Goodness
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Old Testament, Micah 6:1-8 Micah 6:1-8 I remember when I became a Christian as a college student in Oregon, the Jesus movement was waning in California. But one of the strong byproducts of that movement was its...
